Urgent Recall: 16 Cinnamon Brands Found Contaminated with Lead

UPDATE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urgently expanded a recall involving ground cinnamon after discovering elevated lead levels. The recall now includes 16 brands that “may be unsafe” for consumption, significantly impacting consumers nationwide.

The brands affected include HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife, among others, as confirmed by the FDA. The elevated lead levels were first identified during state-level product testing and later verified by the FDA, raising serious health concerns for those who have purchased these products.

According to the latest FDA alert, the following brands are included in the recall:

– HAETAE
– Roshni
– Wise Wife
– La Frontera
– Durra (sold in California and Michigan)
– El Chilar (available at El Torito Market)
– Marcum (found at Save-A-Lot Food Stores)
– SWAD (distributed by Patel Brothers)
– Supreme Tradition (sold at Dollar Tree)
– Compania Indillor Orientale (available at Eurogrocery)
– ALB Flavor (also at Eurogrocery)
– Shahzada (found at Premium Supermarket)
– Spice Class (available at Fish World)
– Jiva Organics (sold at Taj Supermarket in California)
– Super Brand (at Asian Supermarket in Little Rock, Arkansas)
– Asli (available at A&Y Global Market in Columbia, Missouri)

The FDA is urging customers to refrain from purchasing these products and to dispose of any recalled cinnamon already in their possession. Consuming contaminated cinnamon could lead to elevated blood lead levels, posing serious health risks.

The agency indicated that they are actively investigating additional brands and continue to analyze samples received from state partners who are monitoring ground cinnamon for elevated lead levels.

The FDA’s warning comes without any reported illnesses or adverse events related to these cinnamon products as of September 2023. However, the potential health implications demand immediate consumer awareness.

Officials emphasize the importance of this recall, stating, “The FDA is continuing to analyze cinnamon and review sample results received from state partners.”

As it stands, the FDA has recommended that all implicated brands voluntarily recall their products. Notably, they have yet to make contact with Haitai Inc., the producer of the HAETAE-brand cinnamon.

Consumers are urged to stay informed and check their pantry for these brands to ensure their safety. This developing situation highlights the need for vigilance regarding food safety, especially concerning products that may contain harmful contaminants.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent recall and ensure your health and safety by following the FDA’s guidelines.